The Medicine wheel.

Old Native American wisdom. We need to gather as one people to save earth and all people.

Wisdom of the Medicine wheel.

(I have been lucky. Many kind Native American took me under their wing and taught me how to find peace.)

At the Mall I went to the so-call Native American store.
A Middle East man tried to sell me a China’s made items.
I touched a Medicine Wheel.

I told the man.
“A proper Medicine Wheel has the power of the four winds.”
I touched a Dream Catcher.
“A real one would protect your spirit and keep bad dreams away.”

He grins at me.
He didn’t understand a word that I spoke.
He told me.
“Does the same things.”
I leave the store with nothing.

Sitting with my Apache Friend outside the gate of Fort Hood, Texas.
I sat and listen to him.
His skin harden from the Texas sun.
I came and sat with him every Saturday for many months.

He had a story for every item he sold.
I brought him food and water.
His stories were passed on to him by family and elders.

He gave me a Medicine Wheel.
He rose up and made a circle with his hands.
He told me. “All people are part of the circle of life.”

“We all have a purpose.”
With sadness in his voice.
“Us Apache and Native Americans were responsible to protect Nature.
We did a poor job.”

“The white people were responsible for the fire.
They shared their gift and now fire is held in every corner of the planet.
Eyes looking at the ground.
Then he raise his eyes and look to the sky.
The fire was taught(Atomic and nuclear) too well.”

“The black people held the strength, wisdom and honor.
The wisdom of the black people lost direction.
We need their strength before we kill off all that is good.”

“The yellow people have courage, leadership and clarity.
The gentle and calm souls will be necessary for this world to seek peace.”

“The medicine wheel is a compass to all life.
We must know all four directions.”

At a Pow Wow in Texas.
A few Native Americans danced and invited all to dance the dance of friendship.

A old Apache man moved around the circle.
Burning sage and blessing everyone who came today.

He welcome us.
He begin to speak.
“We were the last Americans allow to dance our Native dances.
We were the last allowed to speak our language in public.
We have not forgot.
We go on and hope for better days.”

He blessed all of us and his kind eyes show respect for all.
He raise his hands and spoke to the sky.
“Teach us four winds.
Give us wisdom.
Teach us humility.
Show us clarity.
Allow us to trust our brothers.”

I’m proud of my Ojibwa heritage.
I’m proud of my Mexican/white heritage.
The Medicine wheel showed us we are one.
We need to work together.
Red, black, white and yellow were given gifts.

Old Apache raised his hands to the sky.
Then create a full circle.
He moved slowly around the inner circle and looked in all our eyes.

(This is a view of many years of learning. Every teacher tells the story different. I believe we are one people. Peace will come when we learn to work together.)
Black, White, Red and Yellow are the four corners of the Medicine Wheel. All with important gifts to bring peace with each other and the planet.

This poem spoke to many in many levels first the interpretation of humans from the Native American aspect and also the underlying emotions of brotherhood in the human society. Which is need of the hour in today’s chaotic world.
I wrote something on the similar lines.https://meghasworldsite.wordpress.com/2018/01/30/brotherhood/

Reblogged this on K. D. Dowdall and commented:
As John Coyote writes, “I believe we are one people. Peace will come when we learn to work together.” I believe that John Coyote’s Medicine Wheel is beautiful and true, it is essential if we want to save ourselves and the planet. This is a wonderful post. A must read.

Omg what a cool story!! I really like it, and completely agree. As someone with a couple Native tribes in my blood, I can also relate, even if it’s in more of a kindred spirit form, as opposed to having actually experienced anything like this (although I wish I had!). Thank you so much for sharing this!! ❤️❤️

So strange to first meet you today and come here – to see the name “Medicine Wheel”.
I have had dreams about these kinds of discussions lately. I had just spoken to my wife about wishing to hear the thoughts from a people I’ve never seen. I’ve met and seen many people, I have traveled to many places, and they’ve all had stories and looked at what’s happening through different eyes. This is new to me; I hope that more thoughts find me, asleep or awake.

This is just fantastic. You’ve got it here, homes. We’ve all gotta work together, love and respect one another. If we can learn that, we can do anything. I’m really glad I got the opportunity to read this today. Thanks for sharing and have a great day. ❤

Hello! Thank you for liking my blog post. And I have enjoyed reading through some of yours. I was especially touched by your eloquence in the Medicine Wheel. I am glad that you care about your native heritage and that you share it with others. As you say, I feel that we are all one – black, red, yellow, and white. And we can make this world a better and more peaceful world, if we remember our connectedness to each other. I have and still continue to read about native, asian, black, and white cultures, as there is much we can learn from all that richness of stories as well as wisdom, and we can learn to accept each other. Peace to you, Johncoyote. 🙂

Hi. I have nominated you for the Creative Bloggers Award. You can copy and the badge from the link I will give you. If you choose to accept the award the info is here …I also wrote something about each of the blogs I selected as a networking idea for the bloggers…Blessings, Anniehttp://gentlementalannie.com/2015/04/03/nominees-for-the-creative-bloggers-award/
Let me know if you have any questions.
Annie

My husband and I are white, but we lived and worked on the Navajo / Hopi Indian reservations in Arizona for 18 years. We had many native American friends and we learned much of their beliefs and culture. Have also spend much time on the Apache Indian reservation on the Eastern border of Arizona. I worked at the School on the Indian reservation and loved those children. To me every race of people on this earth are equal and until all mankind feels the same this world will never be at peace. Every race is equal in God’s eyes, because he made all of us.

this is the truth. sadly we are paying even now. one day, I hope we all have, much respect & love for the land running thru our spirits. Thank You so much – for visiting/following my site! its very exciting to get a ‘follower’ 🙂 lol

Hey Coyote, thanks for stopping by my blog. I really appreciate your sharing of the medicine wheel and the words and wisdom of native peoples. Their words have been lost too long, and we need to hear them.

As I scrolled down your page, my tears were gathering in hope for what you wrote. The 64th of my blood that rings in solidarity with the medicine wheel wants to say “Yes”. The Irish of me want’s to grab a rock and smash it into dust to feed the compost. The German wants to design a new tool to fix it, while the Brit wants to pour you a cup of chamomile tea. Not to be undone, the lonely slice of Scotsman wants to throw you a party, slam a dried Christmas tree into the middle of your fire pit, and shout at the sky, “Yes Please!!! May I have another?!!

Life is not only meant to be lived, but to be lived simply and with love. Your circle grows and makes a difference. Beautiful words of a time and of those we must not forget. We are them and they are in us. The time between is insignificant.

Reblogged this on Peacejusticelove's Blog and commented:
That you for this. I am reading: 365 Days of Walking the Red Road: the Native American Path To Leading a Spiritual Life Every Day by Teri Jean; I am blessed by this poem that you wrote and hope to be a blessing to others. JK Archer

Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope you continue to write about the wisdom you have received and discovered for yourself. Or should I say, remembered? 😉
During my first years of great pain and searching, I began to find feathers and I had asked Spirit for a sign that I would be ok, that I was moving in the right path. I took the feathers as my sign. Sometimes they would be in the most unlikely places. Even as my daughter-in-law sat in the NICU with her premature twins many years later, I prayed that they would grow stronger and remain with us if that is what was meant to be. I was not surprised when she sent me a message saying that when she took off her jacket, a feather fell to the floor and she had no idea where it came from. I made my own Dreamcatcher and added all my gifts of Spirit to it. We sleep well. We all need to understand and appreciate the great connection we have. Thank you for your words.

I have the dream catcher also. Ancient belief were simple. Elders raised the children to be strong. We ate what we needed. We didn’t didn’t destroyed the land for un-needed homes. Thank you for reading and the comment.

Native American belief is similar to many world religion. We must protect nature and try to get along. I wish the simple concept on one planet and one people was truly understood. Thank you for reading and the comment.

I was taught by a Ojibwa Grandmother. A lot of natural cures. Takes year to understand the plants. I wish I had the time to learn the the natural herb near me and how to use them with skill. Thank you for reading and the comment.

Lovely words, thank you. I created a medicine wheel in a corner of our desert-type garden when I lived on the wheatbelt near Perth, Western Australia. It’s interesting – after I created it, we (my husband and I) came across a beautiful piece of land with huge boulders of granite, each one of which had frog features. I called it Frog Dreaming as it was a place with very peaceful energies, and later found out that Frog is the totem of the Aboriginal tribe of the area.

Old ancient wisdom worked today. I use the dream keeper and the medicine wheel. They are always near me. I still use the herbal cure taught by Grandmother and what I learn among my walk in life. Thank you for reading and the comment.

It is old belief. I had to learn from books written by Native American. Best book written about the ancient Native Americans is written by a brave woman writer. “Helen Jackson, A century of dishonor.” Thank you for reading and the comment.

The foolishness of man is sad. Today killing Christians in Asia and Africa. Israel won’t be the cause of the next war. Countries defending people far away will cause big conflict. I pray for better days.

I am originally from Europe (Poland) and grew up in an “iron curtain” culture. However, the minute the Internet opened up our lines of communication, I have been drawn to messages from the Elders of the Americas. There is so much wisdom in what they express. The wisdom that has not been adjusted (to put it mildly) by any interjections. As Gregg Braden aptly conveys, the Western culture has been devoid of its ancient wisdom when the Roman Empire altered its trajectory in hopes of reinforcing its strength. However, that move was the key to its own undoing. Now, our modern science “thinks” that it discovers something new. In reality, it restores what we lost over the ages of our turbulent history. Thank you for sharing John and warmest regards. Alina 🙂

My wife’s father is an old Army man. Philippino / Hawaiian. He adopted her when she was a baby, married her mom. She is European. What a thing for a young man over seas, and he loved her. Her family is like the people on the earth, white to dark brown, and beautiful. Her mom knows what its like as a child in war, the scrambling for food, the broken people in grief and horror, and then the raising of children. She is a strong woman. Been through a lot. Her dad knows the fighting of wars, and, again, the raising of children. Strong man. And my wife is a gift. Yes, indeed. People. It has taken me a long time to love them, but I am beginning to agree with you, slowly, very slowly, and reluctantly, but I do see your wisdom, I just as yet am waiting. But I do think you are right.

I read this again this morning…and I re-posted YOU and your writing on my Facebook page. We ALL need to read this and LIVE it…we need each other more than ever before! Your words are so important and necessary!

It is one of many of the good beliefs of the Native Americans. There are similar in other religions. In the end. We must all get along or we will all fall together. Thank you for reading and the comment.

Thank you so much for finding my blog…which led me to yours. WONDERFUL! I, too, am a person who deeply believes in peace – for humans and for all of creation. And I, too, deeply, deeply value the wisdom of Native American spirituality. Thank you for all of this!

I still hope brother that the true 4 brothers from the 4 corners of the Earth. Who hold the sacred tablets. Put the Ancient stones together. Before we all perish by the evil of men. Who hold the secrets of the world. Aho my brother

I always hear
a lament
in the song of the red man.
A lament for something lost,
and I,
for one,
am heartbroken
at the thought
that it may never return,
that perhaps,
we are doomed to further spread the fire
and watch it consume
those four corners.

I appreciate your creative words so very much. the art of poetry is very needed in our world, as we witness the negative expansion of communication perpetuated by media. You bring beauty into weaving words, thank you.

I really enjoyed reading this wonderful writing. Last year I followed a large part of the Natchez Trace and saw a lot of historical places. I felt the history, but the only Indian’s I saw were walking through a museum in Nashville. Thanks for sharing.

This is very thought provoking. Such beautiful words to remember. I agree we all need to stick together to preserve our land, and honor ourselves as a whole. Thank you for these Native American teachings.

It is one planet and one people. Color of skin and religion won’t mean much if we don’t have clean water and resources for food. Time to send medicine, water and food. To open doors of peace. Thank you for reading and the comment.

I agree with what is written I believe that everything on this planet has a purpose, to feed, to heal, to clothe us, to keep us warm, to protect us but we should only take what we need and not be over taken by greed, there will be enough for everyone if we looked after this planet we are only visitors to. We would not go to our neighbours house and take we would ask, thank them, and give it back. Respect the earth, respect others and respect ones self

I wished all places and people respected nature. Old world logic won’t work today. Almost nine billion people. We can leave dead places and find fresh land so easily. Thank you for reading and the comment.

Thanks for your follow of my blog. I love this post because it gives me another window into how important diversity is… I think of humanity as needing to become a team, or a choir. No team can win if everyone plays the same position, and no choir sounds good (at least for long) if everyone sings the exact same note.

Thank you for a realistic view on the workings of native ways. I have made and sold dream catchers and other ritual objects. each one unique and full of as much medicine as needed. I can’t make production anything. no matter how many times I get asked too. There is magik in our elders that can’t be described only learned from.

In our world today we need this kind of peaceful spirit. I agree, nature needs to be protected. It is such a simple truth yet most people close their eyes to it. This is why I want to be an ecology researcher. Thank you for stopping by my blog.

I wish the wisdom seeps back before we end up a total mess and squander our planet away.. a lovely poem, an eyeopener… i really wish some more older voices could be heard by all of us..something fell apart and we have dropped all the treasures on our way. Thank you for visiting my place too.

If I were not a Christian I would look very hard at converting to the religion of Native Americans. I am sure God looks with favor upon them with their reverence for all things animate and inanimate of the Creation. But I can still absorb the wisdom, examples of which you have written about here.

Native American believe in one God and like the bible. Treat the body and the earth with care. Jesus wanted the same things. To know forgiveness and release hate. Thank you for reading and the comment.

Wonderful, John. We could learn much from Native Americans and other cultures. Unfortunately, Western civilisation has historically discarded differing beliefs, traditions and ways of life, deeming them ‘uncivilized’.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and discoveries. Travel undoubtedly broadens our horizons, but I think it is also conducive to acquiring a greater tolerance, understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

I agree. I wasn’t specific in my previous comment. What’s wrong is the system. But how do you change it? Most people want peace, but political decisions, power, belong to the few… That’s why I said maybe we’ll just keep on dreaming while spreading love.

Great wisdom. But wisdom alone cannot get outcomes in today’s world. The medicine wheel signifies balance, collaboration and synergy but above all faith. What needs to be done to get the philosophy of the wheel more widely accepted? Without such “ownership” and conviction, we would see no progress.

Can’t be done anywhere. I have befriended people in Africa, Asia and Europe. Sharing bread and opening the door to friendship is the key to world harmony. Even if one person at a time. Thank you for reading and the comment.

I love helping people, I suppose in a much different way than you do. I also have opened my door and taking those who were abused in, or help get their life back on track.
I also learned not long ago to help those who wish to help there selves, if they do not it is a one way street, and that my friend is a losing battle.

I have a huge heart for those who were or are being abused, but with my recent marriage I have had to make a decision.

Thank you John for bringing me to your post today. It was just what I needed to read. It made me feel better about a friend. Also, I agree so much with what you wrote. The power was with the real Medicine Wheel not the fabricated one. Just as words spoken need to be true for them to have any power. You speak with power in your words. Peace between all people is what I work for in my life as I touch other lives and I know you do the same. I do believe in what I call the ripple effect. And that the lives we touch with love and peace will pass that along. I need to spend more time reading your posts. That are so good for me and I know you reach a great many people. Which is so good for all of us. Thank you. Peace to you. Jennifer @>-;—

Thank you Jennifer for reading. Native Americans have been teaching peace and harmony for a while. This is one earth and one people. The planet is getting smaller because of tech and modern new items. We must get along.

The reason I clicked on it is because I spotted the title and it had meaning because just a couple of days ago I was in a blog and asked about the medicine wheel (what it was about) and the guy who wrote the post said it was in Aboriginal culture. I had zero idea. I’m not sure if he’s got his facts wrong or what, but I love your heritage & how you’ve kept the culture alive, & the knowledge. Cheers to you, that.

This is a beautiful poem, deep and wise. The simplicity of the telling almost mirrors the profundity of the thoughts expressed. I am glad I came across your work and look forward to reading more, thank you, Kevin

Peace is my dream.Yesterday I seek peace for myself. Today I have children and grandchildren. I hope and pray we can find the road to peace for all children to know peace and safety in our world.Thank you for reading and the comment.

I will stop by tonight. I have four nights off to read and write. I like your thoughts and your wandering thru the writings of the great writers. I search old book stores. I have a collection of the great Poet’s to motivate me to write.. Thank you for reading and the comment.

I have nominated you for the Sunshine and Versatile Blogger Award. I chose to be a rebel with the rules and questions and instead chose to showcase the work of the bloggers with whom I find inspiration. It’s nothing more than a big thanks.

It as been a couple of years now since I walked the Medicine Wheel and this reminds me of what power and teaching there is in this practice. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to do so for the beginning of Summer. Thank you for the beautiful reminder.

What a beautiful post and how I wish more people could learn the valuable lessons, understood by those who live closer with nature. I believe our huge cities take away our ability to see the world as it truly is and, thereby, to prevent us from understanding the importance of all working together, as a unit, using our unique skills to help this planet prosper

oh I forgot to tell you I’ve been reading up on Ojibwa People, and Culture. Its wierd but growing up I have always had a dreamcatcher around,I grew up in Dearborn never knowing there was an Ojibwa community so close by, I disappointed I never got the chance learn from them…..

I have long said that the White Man lost their Eyes…. we used to see the colors in the wind, hear the Song Of the Trees, but we have been blinded and deafened by greed, religion that persecutes instead of teaches, want instead of need, take instead of give…. there are a few that have turned back to the Old Ways, only to be persecuted by those who would call us freaks or evil…. I can only hope the rest find the Path before we destroy ourselves….